Novak Djokovic: 5 Things That Will Slow Nole Down in 2012

Since July 4, 2011, Novak Djokovic has reigned as the No. 1 tennis player in the world.

As of October 13, he officially clinched the No. 1 ranking for the year of 2011.

It's been a storied and spectacular 10 months for the Serbian, winning three majors and 10 titles.

Yet, with his impeccable skills on the tennis court—often evoking the praise of all-time tennis greats like Pete Sampras and John McEnroe—Nole is on pace to come tumbling down from the benchmark he's set.

At only 24 years old, Djokovic has already been showing signs of wear and tear, both physically and mentally.

The rate at which his cylinders have been firing—especially over the last year—portend a future where he won't have as much to give, unable to sustain the breakneck run he's had.

There are five reasons in particular why Nole's best moments, matches and triumphs are already behind him.

It's only a matter of time before he abdicates his throne atop the tennis world.

Back, Knee and Shoulder Injuries

Djokovic's frame has already been beset with a myriad of injuries to his knee, shoulder and back.

His right knee became so inflamed that he was forced to withdraw from the 2011 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament, not playing a single game.

Secondly, his shoulder became an issue when he had to retire from the final against Andy Murray at the 2011 Western and Southern Open.

After rupturing a muscle in his back at the 2011 US Open, further professional goals were cut short, resulting in Nole's capitulation to Juan Martin Del Potro in the semifinals of the Davis Cup on September 18.

According to Novak, it's the worst injury he's ever had, exacerbating his fatigue and doing a number on his psyche.

If he wants to overcome it, he'll have to play it incredibly safe and get ample rest, which runs counter to what a professional tennis lifestyle entails—especially for the callow Djokovic.

Stamina and Confidence Issues

Anyone who has ever been plagued by injuries can attest that stamina will also take a noticeable hit.

Now confronted with his own mortality, Nole has had a sudden reality slap, realizing that nothing is forever.

The rich aren't affluent forever, the poor don't suffer in destitution for an eternity and greatness will eventually fall.

Djokovic is coming to terms with this, too.

He has been quoted as saying that he doesn't feel unbeatable and (he) doesn't think anybody is..."it's just a matter of the right momentum, the confidence you are building up" (AP).

In another statement, he absent-mindedly remarked that playing in the Davis Cup somehow "turned out to be the wrong decision for (his) health" even though his back hadn't fully recovered yet (AP).

Such remarks reveal an immature player who, after being undermined by injuries, is starting to question his invincibility as the king of tennis.

Emotional Instability

Despite improving in this domain, Nole still shows flashes of emotional instability.

After all, it wasn't too long ago when, in 2008, Djokovic quit in a match against Roger Federer in Monte Carlo after his parents were irreverently asked to quiet down by the Swiss pro.

That same year, Nole reprimanded the New York fans at the US Open for endorsing Andy Roddick.

The Serbian wears his emotions on his sleeves, and when those become soaked, he has no choice but to take off his shirt to sulk, seethe or soar.

It's difficult to ask someone who is inherently predisposed to being fueled and crestfallen by waves of passion to no longer be swayed by feelings.

With his injuries piling up and his confidence slightly shaken, it's possible he may revert back to the person three years ago who was at the mercy of his emotions.

Relationship Strain and Heartache

Djokovic is planning to marry his girlfriend of five years, Jelena Ristic, very soon.

Hopefully, the two have a long-lasting and fulfilling marriage, but facts and precedence don't always complement ideals.

The two are still very young, and as data on marriage has shown, betrothals between young couples often unravel because one party or both is not truly ready yet to settle down.

Taking into account the fact Nole is always traveling—playing in tournaments or fulfilling media and sponsorship commitments—his young bride may not take too well to the life in transit that her husband would lead.

Not to mention the accusations of infidelity will soon arise and be levied against Novak, who will undoubtedly be tempted every day he's away from Jelena.

Furthermore, because his personality is defined by his present emotional state, Djokovic will have much difficulty not showing his personal life frustrations on a professional platform.

Media and Entertainment Commitments

With his fame exponentially increasing by the day, Djokovic has amassed not only more sponsors—namely Sergio Tacchini (Italian clothing company), Adidas, Konzum (Croatian supermarket), Audemars Piguet (watch company) and Mercedes Benz—but has started to make the talk show circuit rounds.

Nole enjoys himself, too, and how could he not?

His fun-loving, charismatic personality dovetails seamlessly with entertainment. This is the same guy who did impressions of his tennis counterparts such as Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and John McEnroe.

Unlike his tennis colleagues, though, he doesn't mind stepping out of his comfort zone—if there is one.

For instance, during his Tonight Show appearance (pictured above), the Serbian showed Katie Holmes how to do his country's dance.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Djokovic has 30-40 business meetings scheduled for him by his uncle and chief marketing strategist, weekly (NY Times).

There are even rumblings he may pursue a career in acting in the not-too-distant future (NY Times).

So, where does that leave tennis?